President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled the 1-month plan to revitalize the ANC, focusing on economic growth and affordable services. Images: African News Agency.
(The Post News)- At the African National Congress’s (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) held at the Birchwood Conference Center in Ekurhuleni, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched an 18-month program to revitalize and strengthen the African National Congress (ANC), with the goal of returning to the party’s historical mission of serving the people. His speech marked the end of a significant conference aimed at discussing the party’s strategic orientation and critical national challenges.
President Ramaphosa underlined in his speech the ANC’s dedication to boosting the South African economy and enhancing service provision. He emphasized the party’s objectives to address the country’s problems, which include high unemployment rates and enduring inequality, by implementing extensive policy reforms and increasing investment in strategic areas. According to Ramaphosa, the ANC is growing industries, expanding infrastructure, and investing in an inclusive economy, as well as addressing the high cost of living, investing in people, and improving access to affordable water and energy.
Mmamoloko Kubayi, Minister of Human Settlement, also noted that electricity should be a public good, not an unaffordable luxury, and that the ANC aims to secure a stable energy supply for everyone. This, she noted, is more than economics; it’s about real relief for South Africans, making life more affordable for ordinary South Africans.
The program focuses on renewal and transformation, ensuring the ANC remains true to its founding principles and values while adapting to the changing needs of the country. This involves building strong branches that effectively serve their communities, leadership development through comprehensive foundation courses, and establishing transparent electoral processes. Economic growth is also a priority, aiming to transform the economy for a more equitable distribution of wealth and control, creating jobs and opportunities for all South Africans.
The NEC will promote clean and green communities through collaboration with local government and civil society, developing food gardens and parks, and promoting healthy lifestyles and community cohesion through sports, arts, and culture. NEC branches will work with community health workers to support vulnerable families and address crime, gangsterism, gender-based violence, and femicide. As the 16 Days of Activism approach, ANC Women’s League branches will focus on supporting victims and raising awareness about toxic masculinity and violence.
Additionally, the NEC will launch a compulsory foundation course for all members, public representatives, and leaders to combat racism, tribalism, sexism, ethnic homophobia, and related intolerances within the organization and South African society.
The NEC of the ANC has directed the Secretary General to expedite the appointments of a panel to handle appeals and reviews of the Integrity Commission’s findings. This move is part of the ANC’s efforts to renew the organization and ensure integrity within its ranks.
The NEC also emphasized the importance of developing a guiding perspective on leadership succession, considering it crucial for the organization’s renewal. However, any leadership contests or lobbying at this time are viewed as a distraction from the National Democratic Revolution’s primary goal. “There will be time for disciplined discussion and engagement regarding leadership succession. Now is not the time. Our next national conference is in 2027, and we are just in 2024,” Ramaphosa stated. Having said that, the focus should now be on rebuilding the organization and preparing for the 2026 municipal elections.
The ANC expressed concern over recent mass killings and the hospitalization of children due to suspected contaminated food. They welcomed the swift action by the South African Police Service in identifying and arresting perpetrators of mass shootings and look forward to further arrests and successful prosecution. The NEC also commended the joint action by several departments, led by the Minister of Health, in investigating the cause of the hospitalizations and deaths.
Furthermore, the NEC called on the government to adapt regulations for the legal operation of spaza shops, where some children purchased the contaminated food, with the aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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